Lombard chapel preservation society to host a variety series

The Maple Street Chapel Preservation Society uses the annual variety series as a fundraiser to support efforts to preserve the historic Lombard church. The series begins Saturday, Feb. 23.Mark Black | Staff Photographer

Costumed interpreter Ellie Carlson will re-enact an 1870s classroom at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, during the first program of the Maple Street Chapel Preservation Society's annual variety series.Courtesy of Ken Bohl

The Retired Rhythm Rascals will perform during the third program in the Maple Street Chapel Preservation Society's annual variety series at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14, in the chapel at Main and Maple streets in Lombard.Courtesy of Ken Bohl

A 22-piece orchestra will perform the 13th annual American Heritage Concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23, as part of the Maple Street Chapel Preservation Society's variety series. Here, the orchestra performs in the chapel at the corner of Main and Maple streets in Lombard.Courtesy of Ken Bohl

Maple Street Chapel Preservation Society submission

Lombard's historic Maple Street Chapel will be the setting for a variety series of three programs this year: a re-enactment of a 19th-century school day, the 13th annual American Heritage concert, and a Dixieland band.

Costumed interpreter Ellie Carlson will appear as Miss Isabella Hoffmann, teaching in a one-room school class the way it would have been conducted in 1870. The first 12 school-age children for whom reservations are made will have the opportunity to perform onstage as her class.

The 13th annual American Heritage Concert, "The Sound of Music," will feature highlights from the musical. Also featured are music from "Les Miserables," bluegrass favorite Old Joe Clark, and music of Irving Berlin.

Veterans in the audience are honored in the Armed Forces Salute during the program, which starts at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23. Tickets are $20.

The Retired Rhythm Rascals will present Dixieland music and old favorites in concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14. Tickets are $15.

The variety series programs are supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. All proceeds benefit the preservation of the Maple Street Chapel, which is a historic American Gothic landmark built in 1870. It was Lombard's first church, it served as the village hall, and its bell summoned the fire department. The chapel is preserved by the Maple Street Chapel Preservation Society.

A series subscription is available for $40, a savings of $10 from the price of individual event tickets. To purchase tickets, call (630) 627-0171 to pay by credit card, or mail a check, payable to "Maple Street Chapel," to Ken Bohl, 213 W. Ash St., Lombard, 60148-2505, indicating which program(s) you are purchasing, and providing your email address and phone number.

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